Happy Birthday Gabriel

Two years ago, our sweet angel was born. We were so blessed to have another boy, and Joshua was thrilled to finally get the little brother he'd been praying for. I finally felt completely relaxed and at ease with baby number 4. I've loved all of our children, but to me, Gabriel was truly heaven sent.

I truly believe it was no coincident that we named him "Gabriel." He nursed beautifully, started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks (not consistently, but it was great!), never cried except when he was hungry, smiled at anyone, loved the car, would let anyone hold him, ate anything I offered him, didn't fuss--even when he cut all four molars at once, still wants to be snuggled in the mornings...I could go on and on.

Can you tell I love this child more every day? I really do. He is completely spoiled by his big sisters, but he is still the most happy-go-lucky kid. I am sad he's 2 already. I wish I could turn back the clock for just a little while. I made a virtual scrapbook when he turned 1, and wanted to share this new one with you all. (Turn off my playlist, and click on the arrows to turn the pages).

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

And here's one last picture of Gabriel. I found the onesie at a store just down the street...it was going out of business. When I saw this, I just HAD to buy it.

Happy Birthday to our precious, precocious, PERFECT little boy!

Gem of the Week

Fr. Michael Sullivan, a newly ordained Legion of Christ priest said mass this morning. This was his first parish mass, and he did an exceptional job. He was congratulated during mass, and warmly greeted by parishioners afterwards. It was reassuring to speak to him myself and he gave us a family blessing also! But the best thing about his visit were the words he spoke before the final blessing. I cannot quote him exactly, but he said something like this:

14 years ago, I was a teenager, and felt God calling me to the priesthood. I thought I'd have to give up a lot, but now that I look back, I've had the opportunity to travel to 14 different countries, and the past 14 years have been the best years of my life. I say this to all the young boys and men present here...if you feel God is calling you to be a priest, you will never be more happy than to serve Him and the church. God cannot be outdone in generosity!

I felt a great surge of gladness in my heart...here was a newly ordained, visiting priest who was not afraid to speak his mind. Given the recent scandal for the Legion concerning our founder, I thought he was very brave to speak just those few words.

THY KINGDOM COME!

Fireproof

Last night, I finally got to see the movie FIREPROOF starring Kirk Cameron. I'd wanted to see it since it came out last fall, but knew David would really not be interested in seeing it (which is fine...he is not the type of guy to sit though certain movies with me).

I didn't watch the movie with the intent of thinking my marriage needed work. I have been reading though the book The Love Dare since January though. I haven't been able to do it every day, but I am on Day 18. This particular dare says I need to make dinner for us...you can click here to see what I plan on making.

After the movie, the girls I was with all staying up way past our bedtimes talking about it. We talked about our husbands of course, but we all realized a marriage is realy about two people working together...it is not just saying the right things, but doing the right thing...and really putting your spouse first.

I think every married couple should go see the movie. David and I are a solid team, and I am so grateful to God for that. But our society tries to make us believe it's okay to be selfish, it's fine to put your needs and wants first, and not bother trying to really make an effort to be kind. This movie shows that when you finally get to the point where you're doing something from your heart (not just going through the motions), the reward is greater than anything you ever imagined.

Temporary Playlist

I am not the biggest fan of Valentines Day, probably because it is just way overdone and overmarketed in this country. I am all for a nice dinner out with my David, but he doesn't have to buy me chocolates (unless they're Ghiradelli) or roses.

However, I am all for staying home, making my hubby a fantastic, yet easy Dinner for Two, and playing romantic music. I made up a new playlist which I'll leave up until Sunday. Warning...it is very mushy...so if you can't stand it, you might want just turn it off if you're reading my blog.

Now, how did I come up with these songs?

Angel Eyes was one of the prelude songs at our wedding. My brother was the pianist, which made our nuptual mass so very wonderful and special.

I Will Be Here was our first dance at our wedding reception.

Your Love is just another Jim Brickman song I like.

Do You Dream of Me is one of my very favorite songs by "Smitty."

Love of My Life is yet another Jim Brickman song with Michael W. Smith.

More than Words is one of those sweet ballads I can't get out of my head.

From this Moment is a great song by Shania Twain (David likes her music too :-)

So there you have it...now you know I can be a romantic for just a few days out of the year.

The Magic Touch

Earlier tonight, I was reading the news and weather report from my laptop. It was running really slow, so I restarted it, hoping that would fix the problem. Nope...now the darn thing wouldn't even run. I rebooted the system about 6 times...nothing.

Frustrated, I put the laptop back in the study just as David was coming in from the garage. He restarted the computer and said he'd take a look at it. Ten minutes later, we both check on it...lo and behold, it was running just fine...like nothing had ever happened.

I admit it...I gave David a look of pure scorn. He didn't do anything I hadn't tried...but he had that magic touch...and the computer liked him better than me.

David said, "Don't worry, I still love you."

(Yeah...I love him too! :-)

Sad News

Yesterday, the news came out that Fr. Maciel, founder of the Legionnaries of Christ (which spearheaded FAMILIA, Regnum Christi, etc.) fathered a child some 20 years ago. There have been accusations of sexual abuse from various men over the years, none of which have lead to denouncing Fr. Maciel, although he was relinquished from public ministry by the Holy See in 2006 (he died in 2008).

This news was very disturbing to me...because I am Regnum Christi. I love being in the Movement, and the charisms of this apostolate have taught me so much about who I am, what Christ asks of me, and how I can "love Christ, Serve Others, build the Church."

If you read either on of the articles I linked to above, you will see the Catholic Church still recognizes the monumental work the Legionnaries of Christ have done, and have not withdrawn its Constitution. Nor have they ordered the Legion to stop working in any capacity.

There will be more to come, I am sure. Already this news has send shockwaves through the Church around the world. The Legion will have a very heavy cross to bear in the months and years to come. Already the Church is hurting, and desperately needs priests. I hope this does not hurt those who still feel they have a calling to the religious life.

I pray people will recognize that even though this man's sin was grievious, he was still human, and he will answer for his actions. We all have sins, and even though we are not in the public eye like Fr. Maciel was, we would not want our sins broadcast and published thoughout the world.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Mary Our Mother, pray for us.

Gem of the Week

I know so many people who are going through a hard time right now; because of the economy, lost of a loved one, fighting illness, or other trials. So this is dedicated to those who need hope.

Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself...how did I get through all of that? ~Author Unknown

I personally believe the answer is simple...having faith in God. Trusting in His plan. And most importantly, a life centered in prayer. Because prayer draws you closer to Christ. And Christ is the answer to any unanswered prayers.